Cardiovascular involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis with substantial cardiovascular implications.
• AAV patients exhibit a 65% elevated risk for cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature on cardiovascular involvement in AAV.
• To focus on pathophysiology, risk factors, predictive models, and management strategies for cardiovascular complications in AAV.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on AAV and cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Cardiovascular manifestations in AAV include myocardial infarction, stroke, myocarditis, and aortitis.
• Pathophysiology involves endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and direct cardiac infiltration, worsened by traditional and non-traditional risk factors.
• Management requires cardiovascular risk reduction alongside disease control to minimize cardiac impact.

Conclusions:

• Despite advances, persistent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in AAV necessitate improved predictive tools and personalized strategies.
• Further research is needed for enhanced prevention and management of cardiovascular complications in AAV patients.